On Wednesday 13 May 2026 at 13:00, Michella Runge Kjøbeløv Bjerregaard defends her PhD dissertation entitled "A contextual first step towards couplet care in neonatal intensive care units. Insights into neonatal practice to inform future implementation".

Globally, around one in ten newborns requires admission to a neonatal unit. Such admission often leads to separation between the newborn and their parents. This PhD thesis examined how neonatal
care can better support families by reducing separation between parents and infants. The focus is on “couplet care”, in which mother and infant are admitted and treated in the same unit.

The thesis is based on four studies that explore neonatal practice in order to support the implementation of couplet care. The results show that couplet care can improve the well-being of both the infant and the parents, as well as the course of hospitalisation. At the same time, the findings highlight that organisational structures, clinical context, and workflows influence on how couplet care is implemented. The project also demonstrates that involving parents in both care and research is valuable, but requires careful planning and clear communication.

The summary is written by the PhD student.

The defence is public and takes place in Auditorium 3-4, Hvidovre Hospital. Please see the press release for more information. 

Contact

PhD student Michella Runge Kjøbeløv Bjerregaard
Mail: michella.runge.kjoebeloev.bjerregaarrd.01@regionh.dk 
Phone: +45 24342904 

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